The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Numbers 24:1-4,
"Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not resort to divination as at other times, but turned his face toward the wilderness. When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him and he spoke his message: 'The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened...'"
Balaam was a pagan sorcerer. He was hired by the king of Moab to curse Israel but wound up blessing them instead. Israel was God's own covenanted people and if anything relative to them were to happen it would have to cross his desk first. Of course, that is only of interest if we buy off on the notion that pagan sorcerers really had any ability to make things happen through their sordid trade (why am I thinking of TV evangelists here?). I personally don't.
What we see happen is that when Balaam began his schtick, God presented himself to Balaam and made him bless Israel instead of cursing them. We are told, "the Spirit of God came on him". Not only did Balaam bless Israel, he also prophesied about future events to take place for the Israelites as well as their enemies and other nations.
"Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not resort to divination as at other times, but turned his face toward the wilderness. When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him and he spoke his message: 'The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened...'"
Balaam was a pagan sorcerer. He was hired by the king of Moab to curse Israel but wound up blessing them instead. Israel was God's own covenanted people and if anything relative to them were to happen it would have to cross his desk first. Of course, that is only of interest if we buy off on the notion that pagan sorcerers really had any ability to make things happen through their sordid trade (why am I thinking of TV evangelists here?). I personally don't.
What we see happen is that when Balaam began his schtick, God presented himself to Balaam and made him bless Israel instead of cursing them. We are told, "the Spirit of God came on him". Not only did Balaam bless Israel, he also prophesied about future events to take place for the Israelites as well as their enemies and other nations.
What we learn here is that God can cause the Holy Spirit to come upon anyone, regenerated or not! He can and does use anyone he desires for his purposes- even to bless his own people! If he is willing to use a pagan sorcerer, then he just might use you or me! Even your mother-in-law or a TV evangelist!
Who knew?!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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